marie pauline martin

8/14/2019 Marie Pauline Martin

1/52

Mother Agnes of Jesus

Marie Pauline MartinSeptember 7, 1861-July 28, 1951

"The Pearl of Lisieux"

"Jesus is asking us to be saints. He needs completely devoted souls that aretotally surrendered to His Divine pleasure." --Mother Agnes of Jesus

On September 7, 1861, Marie Pauline Martin entered into the worldwith beautiful brown hair and brown eyes in her parents home onrue du Pont-Neuf in Alenon, France. At the birth, of each child,Azlie would pray: Lord, grant the grace that this child may beconsecrated to you, and that nothing may tarnish the purity of itssoul. If ever it would be lost, I prefer that you should take itwithout delay. (ML) Little Pauline resembled her mother bothin personality and in looks. She became the second-born child of nine children of Louis and Azlie Martin. Louis and Azlie honoredeach of their children with the first name of Marie in honor of Our Lady and honored each male child with the additional name of Joseph in honor of St. Joseph. The childrens second name wasgiven after their godparents. Paulines godfather was her uncle IsidoreGurin and her godmother was Pauline Romet, a close family friend in Alenon.The blessed day arrived on September 8, 1861 when Pauline was carried in her mothers arms to the Cathedral of Saint Pierre-de-Montsort and baptized byFather Lebouc.

Each morning Pauline's mother would make it a habit to rise early to attend morning Mass. Before participating inMass she would light a candle and pray reverently before the statue of Our Lady. Humble at heart, Azlie

petitionedOur Lady for the children that she and her husband were given by God, that one day they would becomesaints. Shewould also ask Our Lady for her children to be more reverence toward God then she was.

Sadly, four of the Martin children would never make it to adulthood. Azlie gave birth to her fourth child onOctober 13,1864, Marie Hlne who past away on February 22, 1870, at the age of five. Louis and Azlie were giventhe

blessing of receiving another child on September 20, 1866 with the birth of their first son, Joseph Louis Martin.Itwas with great sadness the he too past away a year later on February 14, 1867. On December 19, 1867 the birthof their second son, Joseph Jean Baptiste was born and Pauline, in particular, was very excited at his birth. Her

parents,Louis and Azlie gave Pauline the honor of being this childs godmother. However, he too was taken awayfromthem on August 25, 1868. The life of Louis and Azlies sixth daughter, Marie Mlanie Thrse was very shortfromAugust 16, 1870 to October 8, 1870.


2/52

Pauline, like her mother, developed a high level of energy to accomplish many things in such a short span of time. Asa very young child, Pauline exhibited the same healthy characteristics as her older sister Marie . However,

Paulinedeveloped a bad case of whooping cough. But with many prayers from her family at her side, Paulineswhoopingcough soon disappeared. From the start, Pauline was very affectionate towards her family encompassing a soft,angelic voice. Out of pure instinct, she would consistently give her family several kisses, even blowing a kissto astatue of Jesus and Our Lady.

Louis and Azlie took special interest in the development of each one of their childrens lives. At the earlieststagesof Paulines life, both parents would correct her when she did something wrong. They never allowed Pauline,even atthe earliest stages of her life, to go without being corrected. Up to the age of two, Pauline's mother workedwithPauline on her frequent bouts of stubbornness and was able to conquer them.

Their mother would teach both Marie and Pauline how to pray to God. Every morning and every night, Azliewould kneel beside Marie and Pauline, at their bedside, and all of them would pray their prayers to God. BothMarie and Pauline would continually reverse their prayers to their parents to show each one of them no special

preferenceover the other.

Before Marie and Pauline went to bed, their parents would read to them the lives of the saints. They were promoting,

instilling and fostering in them the spirit of faith showing them that the things the world offered to them wassimplyvain. Occasionally, Azlie would take Marie and Pauline to the Cathedral to pray prayers before the BlessedSacrament. Before they would leave, Pauline would rush upstairs to go to her room and quickly put on her most

beautiful dress. Upon returning to her mother she would ask her to clean her face.

Louis and Azlie always stressed the importance to them that they should, Obey through love, always try to pleasethe dear Jesus, and most importantly to make small sacrifices for Him. (ML) One small example of Paulinemakingsacrifices was when her sisters would want to use something of hers. Pauline's mother would be at her side andtell her

to give it up to them so that she could earn another pearl in her crown, affectionately, Pauline would obey.

Paulines education first started at home, however, it was time for her to start receiving a formal education. Her mother started preparations for both Marie and Pauline to attend the Visitation boarding school in LeMans. Sister Marie Dosithe, Azlies sister, was instrumental in getting Marie and Pauline admitted into the boardingschool.Through the years, the boarding school became a very popular place among the elite, in France, for sendingtheir children. It was the perfect place for the Martin children to go there because Sister Marie-Dosithe was there tokeep aclose eye on them.


3/52

In October of 1868, Louis, Azlie, Marie and Pauline boarded a train to Le Mans. Previously, they had takenMarie

and Pauline on short trips to see their relatives in Lisieux and also their aunt in Le Mans. However, this timetheywould leave them behind to start their education. The separation as a family turned out to be very difficult for

boththe children as well as the parents. Also, the loss of Pauline's grandfather took place the same year. Pauline'smother constantly wrote numerous letters to encourage both Marie and Pauline to do well in their schoolwork as wellasmaintaining a high level of piety.

On July 19, 1870, The Franco-Prussian War began. France declared war on Prussia and the lower Germanstates thenaligned themselves with the North German Federation. The French military would soon realize that theGerman armywas far more superior in combat than their French adversaries. As each battle ensued, French towns in thenorthern

part of France started to fall, leaving behind massive amounts of wounded and dead. Once the Germans hadadvancedonto Le Mans in the latter part of December of 1870, parents from all over the area rushed to retrieve their childrenfrom the Visitation boarding school; Louis and Azlie were no exception. Pauline's mother sought out severaloptionsto retrieve their children but the only option was for them to travel the lengthy road to Le Mans. It wasimpossible togo by train because the French army was using it for the war effort. Louis set off along the dangerous roads to

LeMans to retrieve his daughters. Louis safely brought his daughters back home amongst seeing for themselvesthe spoilsof war. Sadly, Le Mans fell on January 11, 1871. The Germans in turn used the boarding school to house thewounded, which in some cases, the wounded soldiers transmitted deadly communicable diseases to the localtownspeople.

After the fall of Le Mans, the city of Alenon would be no exception. It too fell. As the German armyadvanced ontoAlenon, Azlie led all of the children into the root cellar as the bombs started to land nearby. Once the smokecleared and the town officially surrendered, the Germans then forced each French family to house a number of German soldiers. The Martin family housed nine German soldiers on the bottom floor of their house duringtheir

occupation, which then lasted until May 10, 1871.

Soon after the war ended, things started to get back to normal for the Martin family. They inherited the homeonceowned by Azlies father, Isidore Sr. The home was much larger then what they had. So, they made thedecision toleave their home on rue du Pont-Neuf and move into their new home on rue Saint-Blaise.

On January 2, 1873, Marie and Pauline were home for the holidays and their mother gave birth to their newly bornsister. The next day, they were given the opportunity to glance their eyes upon their new little sister, Thrse .


4/52

A few months later, Marie contracted typhoid and she was sent home from the Visitation boarding school. Asa resultof Marie s illness, Pauline was forced to stay at the boarding school during her Easter break. Emotionally, it

was avery difficult time for Pauline to be away from her family because Marie and Thrse were both fighting tostayalive.

Weeks after Easter, Marie recovered from her illness and Thrse was sent to live with a wet nurse. Paulinearrivedin Alenon by train on Whit Sunday. She described the event of seeing her home after the long train ride: Myheartalmost stop beating when I caught sight of my own home; I thought I would collapse with emotion and I had tostopfor a minute to avoid fainting. (SF) She was overjoyed by the fact that she was able to see her sister Marie aswell asgoing to visit her other sister Thrse . For once the entire family would be together again for just a short time.

After returning to the Visitation boarding school, Pauline continued to strive to be the best in all of her studies.Eventually, she would surpass most of her fellow peers of her own age group. Pauline understood from thestart, atwhat cost it was for her parents to place both her, Marie and Lonie in school. So, she used her gracefultalents to the

best of her ability, earning her many awards. Her teachers looked upon her as a very talented, very graciousandthoughtful student.

To Pauline's mother, piety was the most important virtue above all others that she thought all of her children

shouldhave. It was her antidote for Paulines successes in her studies to keep her heart humbled. Paulines aunt became her "surrogate mother" and reprimanded her when she fell out of line. Paulines biggest obstacle for herself was tocontrolher temper. She became very sensitive when other students harassed or attacked her. Azlie also saw howtender Paulines heart was and continued to encourage her, through letters, to overcome her obstacles. Their mother stated inone of her letters to both Pauline and Marie : You must serve the good God faithfully, my dear girls, and begto be,one day, in the number of those saints whose feasts we as a family celebrate. (ML)

Pauline studied her catechism feverishly, preparing herself for her First Holy Communion. She wanted tomake everyeffort meaningful when it was time to consecrate herself to God. On July 2, 1874, dressed in her beautifulwhitegown and veil, Pauline walked down the aisle to receive her First Holy Communion. Her family surroundedher at theVisitation Chapel in Le Mans as she consecrated herself to God.

Her mother still pursued the prospects of her becoming more pious. She remarked to Pauline in a letter: Youare agood little girl, very affectionate, very submissive, but not yet pious enough. (ML) Paulines aunt, Sister MarieDosithe, reaffirms to Azlie and tells her that Pauline will be pious. Paulines mother reinforces her love for


5/52

her bysaying: You are my true friend. You give me courage to endure life with patience. Be always the joy to othersthat

you have been to me. The good God will bless you not only in the next world, but in this, because he is alwayshappiest even in this life, who always bravely does his duty. (CWe) Another of Azlies main focuses for Marie ,Pauline, and Lonie is that they become holy. Pauline's mother states in a letter addressed to Marie : I wantall of you to become saints.

Pauline's mother also focused her energy on Pauline maintaining her virginity. When Pauline was muchyounger, her mother would place her on her knees and tell her: Only virgins would follow the spotless Lamb, Jesus, andthat theywould be crowned with white roses while singing a song that others could not sing. (SF) Pauline reaffirmed toher mother that she would refrain from marriage and always stay a virgin for Jesus.

Religious life was Louis and Azlies desire for each of their children that they would be consecrated to God.Paulinewas the first of their children to exhibit any interest in becoming a nun. Her aspiration was to become aVisitation nunlike her aunt. Pauline's mother, seeing her daughters aspirations to enter the religious life, started to cultivateslowlyinto her soul the desire to pursue it. Azlie writes in a letter on July 9, 1876: In spite of my desires to givethem allto God, if He were to ask these two sacrifices ( Marie and Pauline), I should do my best even though I wouldsuffer as

a result of giving them up.(SF)

It was known throughout the family that Pauline would become a nun. As for Thrse , from the age of two, did not know what a nun was but wanted to follow Paulines example. She, too,wanted to become a nun. Reflecting back on her childhood, Thrse states to Pauline about entering thereligious life:It was by your example, which drew me to the Spouse of Virgins. (SS)

Family life in the Martin household was filled with much excitement in all its simplicity. They would cometogether around the piano and sing religious songs. The girls would show their competitive skills in a game of draughts(checkers). But after having fun playing all of their games, Marie and Pauline would then bring out a book such asDom Guerangers Liturgical Year, which was given to Pauline as a present by her father. They would read itto the

rest of the family before they retired for the night and say their evening prayers. When it came time tocelebrate aSaints Feast Day, the family would have a little celebration of their own to honor them. For example, on St.Catherines feast day, cake was Paulines favorite food to celebrate this event.

Pauline developed a love for painting, using the attic as her studio; she painted several watercolors, which her father had framed. He placed a couple of them in the Pavilion. One of her paintings at the Pavilion was of a fish thatLouisonce caught. When Louis went on trips, he would bring her back some shells, ivory or parchment so that shecould

paint little miniatures on them. She also spent time learning to sew and do needlework.


6/52

When the family spent time at the Pavilion, during the summer months, Marie , Pauline, and Lonie were eachgiven

a small plot of land to cultivate and plant a garden. The girls successfully grew several types of vegetables andflowers. They especially loved to pick strawberries. While there they would rest under a tree next to the water andhave a picnic.

Soon, October of 1876, came and things would change for the worst. It was Paulines last year as a student attheVisitation boarding school. By December, it was widely known that her aunt, Sister Marie-Dosithe, whomcontractedtuberculosis, was very sick. It was a very heart wrenching experience for Pauline to see her surrogate mothersuffer so much from this deadly disease. In addition, Pauline was to find out that her mother was suffering from

breastcancer. In January of 1877, Azlie went to see her sister for the last time, as well as, to comfort Pauline.Pauline'smother says to her: Have courage, my dear Pauline, whatever the good Lord sends us, we should submit to it.If Ilose my dear sister, I shall not weep for her, but for myself. She will be happy; it is we who will have sorrow.Butthis sorrow will be soothed by the certainty of her happiness. (ML)

On February 24, 1877, Paulines holy aunt, Sister Marie Dosithe, took her last breath. The Martin familyarrived bytrain to Le Mans to pay their last loving respects. All of the children wore black dresses out of respect for their auntsdeath. Her funeral was conducted in the Visitation Chapel and her body was then laid to rest nearby.

By the time summer arrived in 1877, the state of Azlies health worsened and had reached to the reality thatonly acure from God was her only avenue of staying alive. Previously, she had sought out doctors to cure her of her cancer,

but all of them told her it was too late for a cure. She decided that she would make a pilgrimage toLourdes. Paulinewas so convinced that by going to Lourdes that this was the miracle they were seeking. But her mother cautionedPauline by saying: We must prepare ourselves to be ready to accept generously the will of God, whatever thatmay

be. (ML)

There was only one group from the city of Angers, at the time, making plans to leave on June 18th to go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Azlie, Marie , and Lonie traveled by train a few days earlier from Alenon to LeMans to

pick up Pauline and then proceed onto Angers. They left Angers on June 18th with the other pilgrims by traintoLourdes.

On the train from the city of Angers to Lourdes, a calamity of misfortunes occurred. The first occurrencehappenedwhen a pot of coffee tipped over onto their luggage as well as onto their food. The coffee seeped into theluggage andstained their clothes. The food that they brought with them met the same fate and had to be thrown out. As


7/52

soon as thetrain arrived in Lourdes, it was Pauline's mother expectation to go to the Lourdes baths immediately. But firstthey

needed to drop off their luggage at the hotel. Unaware of the state of the hotel, when they placed their reservations, it

became apparent, when they arrived, that it was not suitable for the four Martin women. So, they were forcedto leaveand seek refuge elsewhere.

Each day, they would endure a new misfortune, from the loss of their aunts rosary to their mother sprainingher neck. These events were chipping away at any expectation that their pilgrimage was going to be a fruitfulone. AsPauline and her sisters watched their mother, day after day, being dunked in the icy cold waters of Lourdes, it

became apparent that their was not going to be a cure for their mothers cancer. With deep regret, they boarded thetrain for home, on June 22nd, without a cure in hand. They first traveled to Le Mans to drop off Pauline at theVisitation boarding school and then traveled onto Alenon. Pauline became very distraught over the realizationthather best friend was going to die.

As soon as Pauline's mother arrived home, she immediately changed her focus from her expecting to be curedto

preparing herself for her impending death. Immediately, Azlie wrote a letter to her daughter Pauline to easeher grief over her approaching death. Her mother wrote: Are you still angry with our Blessed Mother because shedidnot make you dance with joy? Do not look for much joy on earth, for if you do, you will be disappointed.

As for me, I know by experience to what extent to rely on the joys of the earth. If I did not live only, for the joys of Heaven,I would indeed be very miserable. (CWe)

On August 1, 1877, Pauline completed her studies at the Visitation boarding school. The celebration and theawardsshe received were somewhat bittersweet. She was leaving behind the beloved memories of her surrogatemother who

past away just months prior. It was also hard to say farewell to her childhood friends and to head home to helpher mother die.

Once Pauline arrived back home she assisted Marie in preparing Lonie , Cline and Thrse in their studies.It wasof great concern for Pauline's mother to have all of her children properly educated. She tasked thisresponsibility ontoMarie and Pauline. Realizing that their mother would never see the rest of her daughters complete their education,Marie and Pauline put on an awards ceremony for her. It was their way for their mother to celebrate withthem onthe future completion of their schooling.

After sending Cline and Thrse to a neighbors house for the day, Pauline spent time at her mothers bedside


8/52

attempting to ease her pain. Her mother looks at her after she kissed her hand and replies with a loving look:Poor little soul! What a vacation for you! And I who was rejoicing to have you back home for good. Oh, my

Pauline, youare my treasure. I know well that you will one day become a nun. (SF)

As the end of August approached, the physical pain from Azlies cancer spread throughout her body. The pain became unbearable for her to move even an inch without crying out to God. As Pauline sat beside her mother,shegrabbed and kissed Paulines hand and then pointed to her sisters. Azlie signaled to Pauline that she wasrelinquishingall of her responsibility as a mother over to her. As night approached on the 28th of August, Pauline escortedher twolittle sisters, Cline and Thrse , to their room to go to bed. Azlies painful departure from this world wouldsoonfollow around midnight. Just after her mothers soul ascended to Heaven, Paulines uncle Isidore went outsideat the

back of the house and called out to Pauline at her bedroom window. Answering her uncles call, he told her ina lowvoice that her mother just died. Pauline decided not to wake her little sisters up and waited until the morning totellthem.

On August 29, 1877, the family escorted their mothers body to the Cathedral and then onto the Cimetire NotreDame (Our Ladys cemetery) in Alenon. The familys maid saw them and gave them her sympathies for their mothers suffering. She said to them: You poor little girls, you have no mother. (SF) Thrse then leaped

intoPaulines arms and said to Pauline that she will be her mother.

Days after their mothers death, Cline approached Pauline and asked her if their mother gave her any sign thather soul made it to Heaven. Pauline said to Cline that she received a dream of an angel writing in the sand:Blessed arethose that mourn, for they shall be comforted. (ML) This was a confirmation to Pauline that their mothers soulascended to Heaven.

Before Azlies death, she suggested to Louis, that he should consider moving to Lisieux to be closer to her family.So, Louis and the children focused their eyes on Lisieux so that they would be closer to their

cousins. Paulines father discussed it with her and Marie about making the move to Lisieux. He conceded to both of his daughtersdesires for a new change in scenery. After a long search, their uncle found them a place live. The family would nicknametheir new home: Les Buissonnets. It was emotionally difficult for each of them to leave behind their dear friendsandneighbors. There were many memories spent in their home that they will leave behind. One of which was theuntimely death of their beloved mother.

November 15, 1877, the family said their goodbyes at their mothers grave before leaving to Alenon. Lisieuxwas a


9/52

small city with roughly 16,000 residents. It had the same pleasantness as any small city, which was the perfect placefor the Martin children to grow up. The famous Cathdrale Saint-Pierre de Lisieux (Cathedral of St. Peters of

Lisieux) was in the center of town as well as many small shops and government buildings. Les Buissonnetswaslocated on a hill side on the outer edge of the city. Their new home encompassed a large backyard with plentyof treesand hedges. But unfortunately their home lacked many modern amenities such as indoor plumbing andelectricity.

Family life resumed after they set up their new home. Every morning, Louis, Marie and Pauline would attendmorning Mass at the Cathedral. Pauline, as well as her sisters, joined a religious organization called theChildren of Mary which promoted the adoration of the blessed sacrament. Each week, Pauline devoted two days praying

beforethe blessed sacrament as part of the requirements for the religious organization.

Pauline continued painting her miniatures and portraits which were admired by her family for its fine detail.Paulinealso was very good in sewing. She took upon herself to make an alb for Father Ducellier, whom was her spiritualdirector at that time. She embroidered it with fine guipure lace. After receiving his newly crafted alb, Father Ducellier went to the Martin home to thank Pauline personally for the beautiful gift.

At times, Pauline had to keep a close eye on her father when he read certain religious books. Louis would beenlightened by a book that he read which inspired him to practice some form of mortification. Some of thesemortifications were too stringent on his delicate health and Pauline would have to intervene and strategically

removethe book from his possession.

In the evenings, Pauline would place Thrse on her knees and take out a religious book and read it to her.After reading the book, there would be a multitude of questions that Thrse would ask her. In one particular instance,Thrse was concerned that each persons good deeds, whether they were large or small, would not share thegrace of Gods glory equally. Pauline asked her to bring out her fathers drinking glass and also a thimble. Paulinefilled bothof them up and asked Thrse to compare each of them to see which one was fuller. Thrse responded back that both

of the containers were equally full. Pauline stressed to her the point that each person regardless of their statureinsociety will receive the same grace of Gods glory equally. There is no reason to be envious of another human

beingregardless of what they have done or how much they have done for the grace of Gods glory.

Preparations for Thrse s formal education was a priority for Pauline before she entered the Benedictineschool inLisieux. Pauline not only taught Thrse lessons in such studies as grammar, catechism but also lessons in

piety.Pauline conditioned her to the rigors of school life before she entered by having her do lessons and thengrading her


10/52

on them. Thrse was rewarded by Pauline for her successes but also reprimanded her for her faults. Yearslater,Thrse remarked: I have asked myself many times how you were able to bring me up with so much love and

tenderness and without spoiling me. You never allowed any of my imperfections to escape, and every reproachof yours was truly deserved. (SST)

Thrse was reaching the age of her first confession. To prepare her for it, Pauline had her examine her conscious ona daily basis for her to see whether or not she committed any sins. Pauline asked her to confess her sins to the

priest asif she were speaking to God. Later, Thrse remarked to Pauline on her first confession: You said to me thatconfessing my sins to a priest was not to the priest himself but to God. I asked, should I also tell him that Iloved himtoo as if he were God in the flesh and you agreed. Pauline worked with Thrse on studying the catechism for her

First Holy Communion. Later, Marie took over teaching Thrse after Pauline entered the Carmelitemonastery.

Generosity was always the spirit of faith in the Martin family home. Les Buissonnets would be no exception.The poor would congregate outside the familys home every Monday to receive some form of charitable gift. Paulinewouldhave Thrse meet them at the front entrance to find out from them what their needs were. Thrse , in turn,wouldcome back to Pauline and tell her. Pauline would decide on what to distribute to them whether it was either food,clothing, or money for the people in need. Even if the person was not able to come to their home, they wouldmakethe effort to go to their homes and help them. It was a great lesson for Thrse given by Pauline to overcomesome of the fears she had.

During times of leisure the girls would go sit by the river either sketching the local scenery or working on their needlework while their father went fishing. Pauline would prepare a basket of food for their little adventures.

After spending five years at Les Buissonnets, it was time for Pauline to answer the call to the religious life. Her eyeswere focused on the Visitation convent in Le Mans. She frequently went on visits to her former boardingschool andspoke with the Mother Superior about entering the convent. But God had other plans for her to serve Him. On

February 16, 1882, while praying beside a statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at St. Jacques Church (St. JamessChurch), Pauline received a revelation that she is to become a Carmelite nun. Acting on this revelation, Paulinemadefrequent visits to the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux to speak to the prioress about entering into their Order. But atthe time that she was seeking to enter, there was not any room at the monastery. So, she looked into enteringtheCarmelite monastery in Caen. And as soon as she was going to make her final decision to join them, a

postulant at theCarmelite monastery in Lisieux died suddenly which left an opening for Pauline to enter.


11/52

Pauline had the enormous task of telling her father of her intentionsto enter the Carmelite monastery. Concerned over how he would react,Pauline confronted him after he finished praying. To Paulines surprise,he took the news very calmly. His only apprehension for her enteringthe monastery was the concern of her frequent headaches which madeher sick. However, later that day, he approached her lovingly and said:My Pauline, I have given you permission to enter Carmel for your own happiness, but do not think that there is no sacrifice on my part,for I love you so much. (SF)

On the other hand, Pauline never had to opportunity to tell Thrseherself about going to Carmel. While Pauline and Marie were talkingabout her entrance, Thrse overheard the entire conversation between thetwo girls and she took it very hard. She ran to her bedroom and started crying.

She felt betrayed that Pauline was going to leave for Carmel without her.Previously, they discussed about wanting to be two hermits living in the desertand Carmel was going to be Paulines desert. Thrse had held true to Paulines word. However, at the timewhenshe told her, Pauline was not being serious. It was the first realization for Thrse that yet again she was goingto belosing a mother. Later that day, Pauline explained to Thrse her reasons for leaving home in order to calm her fears.

Prior to entering Carmel in October, Pauline and her family went on a trip together to Alenon for the last time.There they stayed with Paulines godmother Pauline Romet. As a sign of respect for her beloved mother, as

well as,her brothers and sisters, she went to the cemetery and prayed before her mothers grave. Pauline wanted to sayher lastgoodbyes to her mother before she entered. Upon arriving back to Lisieux, Pauline spent time putting all of her thingsin order before the big day.

On October 2, 1882, Pauline entered the Carmelite monastery as a postulant. Louis, uncle Isidore and Marie escortedher to the Carmelite chapel for Mass. After Mass was over, Pauline said goodbye to her family and then wasgreeted

at the cloister door by Mother Genevieve. Escorted by one of the sisters, she was given a tour of the monastery.Shethen was taken up to her new cell where she changed her clothes and dawned on a long blue dress coveredwith a

black cape and a dark bonnet. (TOL) The initiation in the traditions of the Carmelite Order had commenced for Pauline. Later that day, she was given the opportunity to see her younger sisters Cline and Thrse for aboutthirtyminutes while she was positioned behind the grille in the reception area.

Thrse was still in a state of sorrow over the departure of Pauline by saying: I was weak, so weak that Iconsidered


12/52

it a great grace to have been able to support a trial that seemed to be far above my strength. (ST) PaulinecomfortedThrse by explaining to her why she entered the Carmelite monastery in the reception area. My vocation isnotwhere I live or who I live with or how many different prayers I pray. Its simply a call from the Lord, aninvitationto draw me closer to him in a life of total consecration. (ST)

A mysterious illness came upon Thrse , lasting for several months after Paulines entry. It was thought bythe familythat she would not be able to attend Paulines Clothing ceremony in April. But Thrse regained her strengthenoughto be there at her sisters ceremony. Later, Thrse remarked about her mysterious illness during this timestating that

it was caused by the devil himself. The devil did not want Pauline to enter the Carmelite monastery and wasangryover the future reprisals that the Martin family would inflict on him.

On April 6, 1883, Pauline officially became a novice and was christened with the new name of Sister Agnes of Jesus.Pauline left the cloister and was reunited with her father as he promptly met her at the cloister door. Escorted

by her father, she went to the reception area to see her family. As Pauline was reunited with her family, Thrse approachedher and placed herself on her knees and gave her a few kisses to comfort her. After their brief reunion, it was

time for the ceremony to begin. Pauline, in her beautiful bridal gown, dressed in white satin and her head covered by alacedveil, was escorted by her father down the aisle to the altar. Father Ducellier, Paulines spiritual advisor wastheofficiant for the ceremony. The family sat nearby in the chapel. After the ceremony, Paulines father escortedher

back to the cloister door where she was received by the prioress. Pauline walked into the choir room where sheremoved her bridal gown and replaced it with her new religious clothing donning a white veil. Pauline wasallowed tosee her family once more but this time she would be hidden behind the grille. In honor of Paulines ceremony,

her father, gave the Carmelite monastery two gilded bronze candle holders lined with crystals.

During the time of Paulines novitiate, she learned the practice of devotion to the Holy Face under the directionof Mother Genevieve of Saint Teresa. At the Carmelite monastery of Tours, a sister received revelations about themysteries of the Holy Face. After learning of these revelations, Mother Genevieve then invoked the practice of thesame devotion for their monastery. Pauline faithfully followed the devotion to the Holy Face. When her sisterscameto join her later, she introduced this devotion to them as well. Later, Thrse stated: It was Pauline who


13/52

unveiled thedepths of the treasures hidden in the Holy Face of the Saviour to me. (SG)

The teachings of St. John of the Cross was an essential part in Paulines devotion. She practiced mortificationstofurther relinquish her heart from earthly possessions, which would otherwise prevent her from serving Godwholly.Filling this void in her heart, she would in turn approach this void with Gods unconditional love. Paulinewould use

prayer as her focus solely for her to seek Him and allow for Him to shape her heart. She did not use prayer toseek what she desired for herself but what God desired for her. As an act of her devotion to God, Pauline would donumerous penances in the wake of saving many souls.

Paulines talents of painting miniatures, as a child, transcended into her life at the monastery. She used her extraordinary talents to paint religious images on cards, letters and statues. She wrote lovely works of poetry

promoting Gods unconditional love to the faithful. Pauline was also tasked with offering her services as theProvisor of the community, organizing the dining area for each of the communitys meals.

Even though, Pauline was already living in the monastery, she continued to prepare Thrse for her First HolyCommunion. Pauline gave her a blue velvet notebook, etched with her initials. She was to list all of her sacrifices andacts of kindness each day and equating each act with the symbol of a flower. When she was to receive her FirstHoly

Communion, coordinated on the same day as Paulines profession, she could show Jesus just how manysacrifices shemade for Him, through the representation of flowers. Pauline encouraged her to love each act of kindness andsacrifice that she made. In a letter, Pauline reinforced this view by saying: Do you know, my darling, thatyour flowers need warmth in order to bloom under the feet of Jesus. (TL) Thus, later in life, Paulines sister would

beknown as the little flower, ultimately sacrificing herself for Jesus.

As the days came closer for Thrse to receive the Holy Eucharist, Pauline sent her a black and white card. Inthe

card, there was a picture of Jesus behind a grille, underneath lay a flower with Paulines name etched at the base.When Thrse saw the picture of Jesus behind the grille, it gave her hope that one day she too would be thatlittleflower outside of the grille for Jesus to pluck.

On May 8, 1884, Pauline made her profession to the Carmelite Order. Clothed in the white veil of the novitiate,worea spree of roses around her head. She entered the Chapter room and walked before Mother Genevieve. Sheknelleddown before her and professed her vows which was witnessed by the Carmelite sisters. Due to the Rule of the


14/52


15/52

optionfor her and that was to see the Pope himself and ask for his permission. Before the family went on the

pilgrimage,Pauline insisted that Thrse not to speak to the Pope about her entry. But she recanted after the family hadalreadyleft Lisieux. Pauline instructed Thrse what to say to the Pope in a message she sent to her while she was inRome.Canon Deatrotte heard what was happening in Rome. He went to see Pauline and the prioress. He becameverycaustic in his speech towards both of them and was still adamantly opposed her entry.

Pauline received a relic from the Church of St. Agnes from Thrse and Cline after they came back fromtheir

pilgrimage in Italy. It was a small piece of marble from a mosaic that had fallen while they were there. Themosaicwas original from the time the church was built.

Thrse wanted to find out whether Bishop Hugonin had changed his mind about her entering the Carmelitemonastery. Early December of 1887, Pauline helped Thrse compose a letter to Bishop Hugonin. PaulineeditedThrse s letter and painted a beautiful card that accompanied it. On December 15th , Thrse finally sent theletter to him.

In the latter part of December of 1887, Bishop Hugonin recanted his earlier decision and granted Thrseentranceinto the Carmelite monastery. Pauline suggested that her younger sister enter after Easter. Not only because of Lent

but also to give Canon Deatrotte time to get over his opposition to her entry. Later, Thrse would recall thiseventand stated to Pauline: There was only one person who encouraged my vocation and that was youPaulineyour heartis a faithful echo of my own. But when the moment of crisis came, it was you who pointed out to me the roadtofollow. (SS)

After all of the obstacles to Thrse s entry into the Carmelite monastery had disappeared, she writes toPauline amonth before her entry and stated: Oh Pauline, I am so happy that the good God has given me a sister likeyou; Ihope you will pray for your little girl, that she may correspond to the graces that Jesus in His goodness loves togiveher. She has great need of your aid for she is only very slightly what she wants to be. (CL)

One tradition of the Carmelite Order was for the professed nuns to take an annual retreat each year. During themonthof May, Pauline would take her retreats which was also her anniversary as a professed nun. Paulines yearly


16/52

retreatwas used as an opportunity to be an offering to God. She would spend ten days in seclusion from the other nuns.When she was obligated to be in the presence of the other nuns she would hide her face. If there was anecessity for any communication with the other nuns it was always communicated in written form and only after the

prioressconsented to it.

In January of 1889, Pauline became very ill. She constantly suffered severe headaches which made it difficultfor her to perform her duties. Thrse was very worried about her and thought that she might die as a result.Thrse snovitiate ceremony was to take place on January 10th and she wanted Pauline to be there to witness her takingthe veil.This meant a lot to Thrse especially in the wake of so many obstacles which were placed in her path uponher entryinto the Carmel. Thrse sent Pauline a note stating: I know you have a bad headache!This grieves me

because Ihave great fear that the dear Jesus may cause you to sprout your wingsDo not die!Wait for me to followyou. (CL)

Pauline was a major instrumental figure in helping Thrse reach her highest point in faith during her novitiate.InMay of 1889, Pauline was given permission, by the prioress, to write to her during her retreat. Thrse alludes

to this by responding to Paulines letter: Thanks to my dear lamb for having let baby lamb hear once more the musicof Heaven. It was a gentle breeze for the little reedits heart, rather than its eyes, was able to hear the music of St.Cecilia. It did not loose a single word. (CL) Pauline's dream of living as a hermit in the desert still resonated in

bothher heart and mind. Pauline sensed that the purpose of her existence would not be a martyr and shed her bloodfor Jesus. But the fruit of her existence would be by giving her sole love for Him and Him alone. Paulines severeheadaches which caused her to be nauseated and vomit profusely was of great concern for her sisters. They

would tryto keep a close eye on her even though she was in seclusion. Her sisters would send her little notesencouraging her toendure her suffering for the love of Jesus. Thrse wrote: The baby lamb begs the Lamb not to go boundingontoHeaven. If your place is already prepared in Heaven than please wait for me so that we may both go together toour Homeland. I pray that you will stay a little longer here on earth in exile. (CL)

Paulines father suffered from several strokes and was sent to Caen to be taken care of. During this time of suffering


17/52

for the entire family, both Lonie and Cline stayed behind in Caen and kept a close eye on him. On April 27,1890,Pauline painted a picture of five lilies supporting a cloth of the Holy Face for Cline s birthday. Each lilyrepresentedeach of the five girls. The buds were symbols of their brothers and sisters who departed at a very young age.The stemitself represented their mother and the thorns which wrapped around the lily symbolized their fathers

plight. Paulinestated to Cline : You are the beautiful white lily whose petals support the Holy Face. (TOL) The Holy Facehad

become symbolic for the Martin family in all of their suffering.

Thrse was continually humiliated in front of the other nuns during her novitiate period for no justifiablereason. Ithurt Pauline to see her sister treated so unjustly. Pauline approached the prioress about her harsh treatmenttowardsher sister. Pauline thought that the prioress had taken it beyond the scope of teaching her lessons in humilityandwanted her to stop treating her that way. However, the prioress disagreed completely and responded to Pauline

bysaying: Well, thats one of the disadvantages of having sisters!She has more pride than you think and needsto beconstantly humiliated. (SG) Pauline wrote several notes to Thrse supporting and comforting her throughthis

period of humility.

In May of 1890, Pauline took her annual retreat within the monastery. Thrse was given permission to writeto her due to the fact she was still in her novitiate. With being inundated with the constant humiliations suffered atthe handsof the prioress, Thrse alluded to Pauline the need of some spiritual enlightenment by her to help her endureit.Thrse wrote: Dearest Lamb, do you understand? Even when my heart can not express what I amfeelingYou,who are a flaming torch that Jesus has given me to light my steps in the dark pathways of exile, have pity onmyweakness; hide me under your veil that I may share your light. (CL) In turn, Pauline sent numerous notes tocomfortThrse to give her hope and enlighten her spirit of faith. Pauline reiterated the need to her sister to focussolely onJesus and Jesus alone. Thrse replied back to her and told her how blessed she was that she is her surrogatemotheras well as telling her that it was you who taught me to love Jesus, to seek only Him. (CL) Pauline alsostressed toThrse that we must always remain hidden and not let ourselves be the only source of enlightenment toothers. We


18/52

must seek Jesus to be our sole source of enlightenment. Let us say no word that might make others think morehighlyof us. (CL)

Pauline maintained her focus solely on Jesus. John 12:23-25 Jesus answered them, saying: The hour is come,that theSon of man should be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die,itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hatethhislife in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal. (B) He was the true and only source of her love for enduringmanyobstacles while she was in exile here on earth.

At the end of her retreats, Pauline would reunite herself with her sisters once more and return back to carryingout her day-to-day duties in the monastery. Most importantly, Thrse was always excited to have her surrogatemother

back in her sights. Thrse remarked to Pauline in May of 1890: The poor baby lamb will have its mother again, atlastI thank Jesus for having given you to me and for understanding the needs of my soul. Silence, that is mylanguage which will tell you all that passes in my soul. (CL)

In August of 1890, Pauline was verbally attacked by the prioress and was told many things which cut deep intoher heart. To add to the negative attack, Pauline was also suffering from bronchitis, which the doctor had

prescribed for her to take a tonic of quinquina. She was forced to temporarily stay in the infirmary during her illness. It was adifficult period of time for Pauline both emotionally and physically. Thrse attempted to comfort her in anote shewrote: Yes, joys for us will be sufferingYesterdays grace requires a crowning and Jesus gave it to you. Oh!Youwho are my light, ask Jesus to allow souls not to be deprived and let the darkness enlightenthem. (CL) Thrse alsoencouraged Pauline to use each humiliation and physical suffering as a means of saving moresouls.

Prior to Mother Genevive's death, whom was one of the founding sisters of the Carmel of Lisieux, saw greatleadership qualities in Pauline. She prophesied to her Carmelite sisters on her deathbed that Pauline's publiclifewould soon begin as a future prioress of the Carmel. On December 5, 1891, Mother Genevive's soulascended toheaven. In tradition of the Carmelite Order a biographical account of the sisters life was written and copieswere sentto the other Carmelite Orders. Pauline was given the task of writing a brief account of Mother Geneviveslife,


19/52

however, the biography was signed by the current prioress and presented as being written by her.

The Carmelites used their skills to earn money to help support the monastery. In following with this tradition,Paulineused her skills as a painter to paint miniatures to make money for the monastery. She also painted religiousquotesfrom the Bible on the walls of the monastery. In the prioresss cell, she painted the religious quote from the

book of Wisdom 10:17 And she rendered to the just the wages of their labors, and conducted them in a wonderful way:andshe was to them for a covert by day, and for the light of stars by night. (B)

On February 20, 1893, elections for a new prioress commenced. As the foundress had previous predicted,Pauline

now led her Carmelite sisters as their new mother. When Paulines father heard of the news about his daughter beingelected prioress of the Carmel, he said: They could not have made a better choice. (FL) Thrse alluded totheir mothers feelings in a letter addressed to Pauline about how proud their mother must be in heaven over the factthatshe was now a mother too. Obviously, both Marie and Thrse were overjoyed at seeing their sister become

prioress but suppressed their feelings to the others sisters so that they would not upset them. Instead, Thrse wrote her a notecongratulating her by saying: For a long time you have been my mother, but it was in the secret of my heart

that Igave that sweet name to the one who was at once my Guardian Angel and my sister, and now today God hasconsecrated you. (CL)

Mother Marie de Gonzague, prioress before Pauline, was shocked by the results of the vote. She did not expectto bevoted out. But she conceded grudgingly and stated to Pauline: If the majority of your sisters chose to give youtheir votes, it was because they saw that you were trying to reproduce the virtues, which Mother Genevive

practiced. (CL)

As an act of humility, Pauline appointed Mother Marie, the title of Mistress of the Novices. Fearful of theway theMother Marie treated Thrse during her own postulancy and novitiate, Pauline appointed Thrse to beMother Marie's assistant. It was a strategic move on Paulines part so that there would be a slight barrier between thenovicesand the former prioress.

Paulines new religious name became Mother Agnes of Jesus. But Pauline was never known as just Mother Agnes

by her Carmelite sisters, her nickname, was Ma petite mre (my little mother) or 'La petite mre' (the little


20/52

mother). They nickednamed her that because Pauline was very thin and short in stature that most of her Carmelitesisters were taller than her.

At the beginning of Paulines reign as prioress, Thrse had prophesied to her that her reign would not gowithoutreceiving many crowns for Jesus. Thrse comforted Pauline by saying: The vessels will be too small tocontainthe precious perfumes you will want to put into them; but Jesus, too, has only very small instruments on whichto playHis melody of love, yet He is skilled to use all those that we give Him. (CL) The prophecy was not far from

being areality for Pauline.

The former prioress thought that she could manipulate Pauline into doing what she wanted her to do, as it wasPaulines first time as prioress. She found out quickly that she could not manipulate Pauline. From thehandling of the novices to the handling of the finances of the monastery, each incident was a challenge to Paulinesauthority togovern. Pauline was continually humiliated by her constant outbursts in front of the entire community.Through allthese misfortunes, Paulines soul radiated a constant response of calmness towards the former prioress as wellas to her other Carmelite sisters. Thrse saw each of these acts of humility as an opportunity for Pauline to earnanother pearlin her crown for heaven. Witnessing herself several confrontations, Thrse replied, She is a Saint, which iswhyPauline is not the least spared from the wraths of many. It values her soul greatly in the way of humility.

Thrse tried to comfort Pauline by writing to her and stating that if others refuse to do what is asked by you, Iwillwithout a doubt be obedient to your desires without one refusal. She stated: When you are tired of pluckingthestrings of the harps, you can pick up your tiny lyre, hardly touching it, and it will give forth the sounds youdesire.(CL)

In December of 1893, Pauline once again was faced with another illness. Her Godfather sent her somemedicine tohelp relieve any discomfort she was facing from her illness. She used her suffering as an opportunity to savemoresouls. She soon recovered from her illness and resumed her duties as prioress.

On January 21, 1894, Pauline celebrated her first year as prioress. For this special occasion of Paulines feastday,Thrse presented her with an oil painting that she had painted and titled it: The Dream of the Child


21/52

Jesus. The oil painting showed the baby Jesus resting upright on his left side. He was holding white lilies in his right handwith pink roses laying beside him in a cave. Outside of the cave, an image of the Holy Face rests on the center of a cross

plantedon a hilltop. At the base of the cross lays a chalice.

Thrse described to Pauline the poetic meaning behind her painting. She reflected from her heart back to her whatshe had previously learned from her to focus solely on Jesus and Jesus alone. We are not to be fearful whenyou aremet with adversity, focus solely on the love He has for you. Even though, Jesus sees that we are given a crossto bear,a crown of thorns to wear around our head, and speared on our side by a lance from unfaithful servants of God,wemust not let the fear of that suffering overwhelm our attention of the love that Jesus has for us. Each flower that isgiven by you, will be placed in his hands and rests against his breast each representing the sweet virtues thatyou haveacquired through all adversity. These flowers will be returned to you by Jesus in Heaven. Enviously, we willsee, thesweet virtues that you have acquired are for Jesus and for Jesus alone. Only in heaven will it be seen by all,the sweetvirtues that you have acquired while living here in exile on earth and we can only hope to obtain the samesweetvirtues that you have acquired so that we may be at your side for all eternity.

Later in 1894, the signs of life were fleeting from Louis Martins eyes. Heaven bound was becoming more of areality for Paulines father than ever before. Constant reports from her sister Cline were forecasting theinevitabledeath of their beloved patriarch. Gossip had spread throughout the social circles in the small town of Lisieuxaboutthe cause of their fathers suffering. They were saying it was brought on by his four daughters entering intothemonastery. Obviously, his suffering was not a result of their entrance. However, they had to endure this trialwhen itwas addressed to them by visitors that met them in the reception area of the monastery.

Louiss health deteriorated for the worse as July approached. He suffered many small strokes and as a resultwas

bedridden. Pauline continuously wrote letters of encouragement to Cline to encourage her to seek the Lord toeaseher pain concerning their fathers poor health. Pauline wrote to her: Let us be saints. Jesus is asking that of usHemust have it. (SF) Even through all of the misfortunes that we endure, we must focus on Jesus and Jesus alone.


22/52

Wemust surrender at all costs His divine will for us even though we may passionately feel otherwise. Allow Himto enter your heart and ask Him to fill it with His love. Do not let your own will go against what Jesus has for you. IsJesussuch a burden that you can not simply ask for his companionship in this trial for you? Do we not praise Jesuswhen wereceive what we desire? But will we keep Him in our hearts when our desires are not met. The daily pains weendureonly strengthens our love for Him, keeping Him ever so close to our hearts. Invite our Lord into your heart andallowhim to bear your burdens as you are a witness to our Lords love.

As the days of July were coming to a close, so was Louiss soul

ascending closer to heaven. On July 29, 1894, early in the morning,Louis breathe his last breath while he was staying at the Chteau of La Musse. Cline was there to witness his ascent. Immediately,she sent a note to her sisters about their fathers death. OnAugust 2, 1894, Louiss funeral was held at the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre in Lisieux. His body was laid to rest at the local cemetery.Afterwards, a memorial service was conducted at the Carmelite chapelreuniting the family once more. Weeks later, the remains of Azlie andtheir belated children were brought to Lisieux and were laid to rest

beside Louiss grave. The rest of the family was once again reunited.

In August of 1894, a prayer was written to honor the memory of their belovedfather. It was titled: Prayer of the Child of a Saint. Each part to the prayer represented each daughter that truly loved him and sought his spiritual guidance

before and after his death. A description of their fathers guidance in Paulinessection, gives precise insight into the bond between her and her father as it was written: Remember thou thy

beautifulpure pearl, the timid lamb once to thy tendence given! Trusting in God, behold thy lovely girl. GuideCarmelsflock along the road to Heaven. Of thy beloved ones, Mother is she today: Then come guide even now thydarlingon her way! This Carmel of Thine own, Remember at Heavens throne. Remember thou! (FL)

Cline entered the Carmelite monastery on September 14, 1894. Her sisters were pleased to greet her lovinglyoncemore. Unfortunately, Cline s entrance was met with some opposition prior to her entering. But with theintercessionof prayers, on behalf of her sister Thrse , things changed dramatically for the better, allowing her entrance tocommence.

One night during the month of January 1895, Marie , Pauline, Cline and Thrse were warming up againstthefireplace before returning to their cells for the night. Thrse was reminiscing with her sisters over their


23/52

childhoodmemories. When it was time for them to retire, Marie approached Pauline and suggested that Thrse writedown allof her childhood memories. Pauline agreed with Marie and asked Thrse to do so.

Pauline celebrated her thirty-fourth birthday on September 7, 1895. In honor of this event, Thrse composeda poemfor her sister. Thrse reflected back to the time of her childhood when Pauline took care of her and thelonging that

both of them had to be hermits in the desert. It was Carmel that was to be their desert. In Thrse s poem toPauline, she told Pauline that if she died before her that she would in turn be Paulines angel as Pauline was toher:

To My Dear Mother, the Fair Angel of My Childhood (PL)

Though so far from beautiful Heaven, my Homeland,Im not alone on earthFor in this lifes exileA fair Angel guides my steps.

This fair Angel, O dear Mother!Sang by my cradle,And the sound of her melodyStill seems so new.

She sang of the charms of Jesus,She sang of the joy of a pure heart.

Drying my tears with her wing,She sang of beautiful blue Heaven

O deep mystery! This fair AngelCalled me her baby sisterShe had a Mothers features,And I would rest on her heart!

But alas! Instead of taking me to Heaven,One day the fair Angel,Seeking the Virgins procession,Took her flight to Carmel!

Ah! How I wanted to follow her To contemplate her virtues up closeLike her, I wanted to live,And like her, to unite myself to Jesus

But without leaving the Heavenly Court,Ill come down to this foreign shore,Close by my Mother,To take my turn as her angel

Throughout her life Pauline cherished this beloved poem from her sister. She pulled it out from time to timeand


24/52

reread it and reflected on the meaning of the words, especially when difficult obstacles were placed in her path.It wasa source of hope and inspiration for her to continue her exile on earth.

In January of 1896, Thrse completed her notebook listing her childhood memories and handed it to Paulinefor her to review her manuscript. Unfortunately, Pauline was too preoccupied with the campaigning for a prioress aswell asgoverning the monastery. She was not able to read it until after the elections were held.

Leading up to the new elections of the prioress in March of 1896, Mother Marie de Gonzague campaignedamong her sisters for the position. The campaign was brought on by the dissatisfaction that Mother Marie had againstPauline andher governing. She knew that she could not manipulate her as she thought she could as prioress. Mother Marie

purposely used every opportunity to undermine Paulines authority in front of the other sisters. This was sothat shecould show the other sisters that she was the one best suited for the position. As Thrse and Sister Magellansat andwitnessed one of these episodes, Thrse said to Sister Magellan: I rejoice; the more I see Mother Agnessuffer, thehappier I am. You do not know the value of suffering. If you only knew the good it does her soul. (TH)

On March 21, 1896, the election for prioress was held. By one vote, Mother Marie de Gonzague was re-elected prioress once again. Immediately, it was a devastating blow for Pauline and her sisters. However, Pauline usedthiswhole experience as an act of humility, adding one more pearl in her crown for Jesus.

After the elections were over, Pauline had the opportunity to read the manuscript that Thrse wrote. Paulinewasastonished at how far Thrse had advanced in her way of perfection. All that was taught to Thrse byPauline hadmirrored itself to her in the manuscript. Pauline later apologized to Thrse for taking so long to review her manuscript.

The Carmelite nuns of Lisieux established, in 1861, a monastery in Saigon, Vietnam. In August of 1896, theCarmelite nuns of Saigon requested help for more nuns to come and join them. There was seriousconsideration by thenewlyre-elected prioress; Mother Marie de Gonzague that Pauline would be one of the nuns sent to Saigon. Weekslater,Cline and her cousin Marie Gurin were also added to the list for consideration. But as divine interventionshouldhave it, neither of the Martin sisters or their cousin was sent to Saigon.

On December 4, 1896, Thrse wrote Pauline a small note expressing to her how much she loved her and


25/52

commending her on her valiant acts of humility. Thrse would periodically study Paulines sacrifices duringseveralincidents, which were known to be discomforting. Thrse took every opportunity to continue to learn fromPaulinethrough these incidents without ever having to say a word to each other. In another note, Thrse expressedwords of encouragement to Pauline as she was enduring minor difficulties in her job as Depositrix. Pauline took on theresponsibilities for taking care of the administration part of the monastery. Thrse reminded her that all thatsheendures is for Jesus and after her exile here on earth is over, Jesus has created a special place for her in Heaven.He, inturn, will return the sacrifices she made for Him and administer to her needs.

In a letter, dated January 9, 1897, Thrse wrote to remind Pauline of how blessed she was to have a sister likeher.Thrse emphasized how much Pauline had given of herself to meet her needs both as a child and as an adult.Thrse felt she was not able to repay her in full for all that she had done in this life, but promised Pauline thatinHeaven she would give back double of what she received from her here on earth. Thrse saw Paulines way,of remaining hidden, similar to that of Jesus when He lived His life here on earth. She again thanked Pauline for

beingthe one chosen in their family to guide her sisters out from the darkness of the earth and into the light of heaven.

Several months prior to Thrse s January 9th letter, she had already seen the first signs of her impendingdeath after she had coughed up blood while she was in her cell in April of 1896. But Pauline was never told of this event,whichwas kept hidden from her by both Thrse and Mother Marie de Gonzague. Thrse , knowing thattuberculosis was afatal disease, made several indirect attempts through her notes to prepare Pauline for her impending death.Thrse did not want Pauline to know because she did not want her to worry about it because Pauline, herself, was

physicallysuffering off and on during this same period.

On January 21, 1897, in honor of Paulines feast day, Thrse wrote a poem titled: My Joy. In her poem toPauline, she described parts of the Little Way to her. She gave several examples of her life, which her joycouldnot escape her. One example was when people search for joy in all things material to fill their hearts, theoppositeoccurs for her because joy cannot escape her when its always treasured in her heart. When suffering has takenroot inher soul, she accepted it even though she may have been crying over it. When her joy may seem that it isabandoned


26/52

in her soul, she hides herself and uses humility as her defense. Her joy is to be little in all things so that whentherewere times that she failed it would not be far for her to get up again. During her struggles, her joy is to leadmore

people to God.

In a note, dated on March 19, 1897, Thrse knew that Jesus had proven his love to Pauline several times before inher life. However, Thrse knew that she had not been able to always show her that same love. So, sheremindedPauline yet again of how much she loved her. Thrse told her she would give proof of that same love thatPaulineshowed her and which Jesus willed for her through testimonies from other people around the world after her death.

During the second week of May, Pauline wrote Thrse a short note to simply ask her for an opportunity tospeak with her. Thrse had been showing signs of her illness to everyone but the severity of her illness was not totheextent that indicated to Pauline that she was suffering from tuberculosis. Pauline started to worry about her

becauseThrse had been keeping her distance from her sister. Pauline asked her instead of taking your walks, Whydontyou spend a little time talking to me? But unknown to Pauline, Thrse was using this time to walk withmissionaries. Even though it was difficult for Thrse to walk without suffering, she used her suffering as ameans of sacrifice for those missionaries who themselves were suffering.

Pauline witnessed Thrse become irritated with another sister when she was asked to help her paint a statue,earlier in the morning of May 28th. When Thrse looked at Pauline she understood immediately that the way sheacted waswrong. Pauline did not have to say anything to her about it, however, later Thrse sent her a small noteapologizingfor her actions concerning the incident. She revealed to Pauline that she has always been the angel charged toguideme and announce the Lords mercies to me. (CL)

By the 30th of May the time had come where the severity of Thrse s illness could no longer be hidden.Pauline wasworried because Thrse s health was declining at a fast rate. She approached Thrse and found outdiscreetly fromher that she had coughed up blood in April of last year. Pauline realized then that she was severely ill. Paulinewasnot aware that it was tuberculosis that was going to take her sisters life. Pauline was hurt by realization thatThrse was going to die! She was devastated by the news. She could not understand why Thrse never told


27/52

her. Thrse was never given permission from Mother Marie de Gonzague to tell her herself. Thrse tried to comfortPauline bysaying: Please do not be sad that my illness was hidden from you. For you still know all that possesses in mysoul.Will you not be pleased that God will see all that you yourself cultivated in my soul? I know God will seefirsthandthe power of your love for Him through me forever in Heaven.

In a note written on May 30th, Thrse again tried to comfort Pauline by stating; That when I leave this earthandreach Heaven, I will still be at your side because your soul will ascend to mine in Heaven. You are the angelthat Jesussent before me to prepare the way for me, the way that leads to Heaven, the elevator to raise me withoutfatigue to theinfinite regions of love. (CL) There are no words in any language on this earth that can be expressed to showyou thelove that I have for you and the thankfulness that I possess in my heart for all that you have done for me.

That same day, Pauline responded to Thrse s note. She asked Thrse to ask God to give her the graces thatshe,herself, possessed in letting her go. Even though, I will shed many tears of your absence here on earth,happinesswill possess at the bottom of my heart knowing that you have reached Heaven. My white dove God is callingyou

back to our Homeland. He must not be deprived of His beloved childs companionship any longer. For Hisglory inreceiving you, I am willing to suffer on this earth as long as God wills, I am willing to mourn in my turn likea

plaintive dove exiled in this valley of tears. (LCM) I am blessed that you will be in the presence of God beforeme,for you will prepare a place for me and make me into a saint from up above. (LCM)

After Thrse received Paulines response, Thrse wrote her a second note on the same day. Thrse desiredonly to

be a blessing to Pauline and not a burden. She did not want Pauline to worry about her at all. She apologized to

Pauline for keeping her illness hidden. As far as Thrse could remember, there was nothing else that she hadhiddenfrom her. Thrse asked Pauline that after her death please do not believe anything that will be said about her and her illness, which would contradict what she has said to her now.

After a brief conversation on June 2, 1897, Mother Marie de Gonzague gave Pauline permission to stay withThrse at night in her cell. Pauline also suggested to Mother Marie to have Thrse to write the second manuscriptabout her life as a Carmelite nun so that they would have something for her obituary letter after her death. The same day,


28/52

Pauline approached Thrse and told her that she was not allowed to die. Paulines heart was still pierced bythe factthat she was severely ill. Thrse explained to Pauline that its not that she wanted to leave her little mother

but itwas God who was calling her home.

Pauline started writing down all of her conversations with Thrse in her yellow notebook. In her notebook,sheadded in the months of April and May from previous conversations that both of them had before she started tostaywith Thrse . It was an effort on Paulines part to record and cherish later the beautiful memories she had of her sister. There was also a need to relay the same information to her sister Lonie , who already left the Visitationmonastery, as well as her uncle and aunt which all of them were very concern for her health. During this periodof time, Lonie had gone with her uncle and aunt on vacation so they were not able to see any of them in person.

On June 4, 1897, Thrse started to write her second manuscript. But the first week of June was verytraumatic for Thrse because her health depleted rapidly. Pauline was upset and felt guilty for having her start her secondmanuscript. But on the contrary, she was joyous at knowing the second half of her life would be written.Paulinestated to her: I shall be your herald; I shall proclaim your deeds of valor; I shall try to make the world loveand serveGod by all the lights He has given you, lights that never go out. (LCM) After all that I will do for you, will I be

blessed by you for it? Will your angel dust fall upon me from your wings in Heaven? Your presence will beneededeverywhere in my life after your death. When I woke up this morning, Thrse 's attitude towards your impendingdeath is changing. God spoke to me: Your little sister has been praying for you. Thrse , that is the secret of where Iget my strength. So, I thank you and press you close to my heart. (LCM) My little mother, the one that I lovesomuch, the one who laid out for me the preparations for my First Holy Communion when I was but a child nowmylittle mother I ask you to prepare me for my journey to our homeland.

Even though, Paulines attitude towards Thrse s illness was changing, she sought out the protection of Our Lady of Victories. A novena of masses was said in Thrse s name for a cure of her illness. But on the 9th of June,Thrse felt otherwise, 'Our Lady', the one who cured me once when I was a child is not going to cure me again in thesameway. The only consoling 'Our Lady' will give is that to Pauline, who grieves more of my future passing than I.On the14th of June when the novena ended, Thrse s condition improved slightly. Pauline also took it upon herself


29/52

to seek out other medicinal remedies from her uncle Isidore as well as from her cousin Dr. La Neele. It pained Paulinesomuch to see her sister receive a vesicatory, she cried more at seeing her sister receiving it than Thrse herself.After Pauline had escorted Thrse back to her cell, she knelt down beside her and asked her for her forgiveness for causingher to suffer more for not being able to receive the Holy Eucharist. But Thrse turned and looked at her andin a softvoice and said there is not much for me to suffer in receiving the Holy Eucharist.

As a loving gesture towards consoling her sisters Marie , Pauline, Lonie and Cline , Thrse gave them a picturewith a poem. In the poem, she described to them her future journey home to be with Jesus forever. The mostimportant thing she told her sisters is that they should always remember the importance of Love above all other things. She also reiterated to them her unending commitment to loving and serving Jesus fully. She was at

peace.

Late in the evening, on June 15, 1897, Pauline sat down beside Thrse and asked her: Will I be forgotten byyouwhen you have reached heaven? But on the contrary, responded Thrse , I will never forget you. Then, shelooked atPauline and recited a verse from John 14:3 And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you. I will come again,and willtake you to myself; that where I am, you also may be. (B)

Pauline had painted miniature pictures of Our Lady holding the baby Jesus for the prioress, Mother Marie deGonzague, on her feast day. She took them over to show Thrse , on the 20th of June, before she gave them toMother Marie as a present. Lovingly, Thrse gazed over the pictures and placed each one of her fingers oneach of the heads of the baby Jesus. She looked at Pauline and said: I am holding them all under my dominion. (LC)

Pauline had finished her duties for the day and went to Thrse s cell to check up on her, on the 3rd of July.Duringtheir conversation the topic of her death was being discussed. Pauline relayed to her the Carmelite tradition of

placing

a palm in the deceased nuns hand while she lay in her coffin. But Thrse looked at her lovingly and stated,I willat times release the palm from my hands so that I can be at your side whenever you are in need of graces.

Several days later, Thrse s deteriorated physical condition was becoming more evident when she started tovomit

blood again. Pauline, at the mercy of Our Lady, prayed before her statue asking for Thrse s vomiting of blood tostop. She held a vigil in her honor and lit a candle. By the end of the day, Thrse s vomiting had stopped for the restof the night.


30/52

Thrse was moved down from her cell into the infirmary permanently on July 8th. There was greatconsiderationover the thought of giving her the Last Rites. Pauline sat beside her bed in the infirmary as she tried to consoleThrse . Thrse s eyes glossed over with tears because she felt overwhelmed by the care given to her byPauline.She reflected back to the memories of when she was a child and now in a frail state of health as an adult. Shesaid toPauline, You have always taken care of me very well throughout my entire life. When I enter heaven, I willtake theopportunity to give back the graces that you have showered upon me while we have been here in exile. Notonly will Ireturn all of the graces that you yourself have given me but I will multiply them beyond measure.

Pauline was always in the habit of looking up at the window of Thrse s cell when she passed through thecourtyard.It was always Paulines way of keeping an eye on her. After Thrse was moved to the infirmary, it becamemoreevident to Pauline that she would not be returning back to her cell. Pauline remarked to Thrse :Now when Ilook up at the window of your cell, it will be very painful for me to see it because I know you will no longer bethere.Thrse responded back to Pauline and said, Every time you look up at the window of my cell, it will remindyouthat I am very happy in Heaven, even though there will be many memories which will surface in your heart of the

place where I fought so many battles against my illness. Pauline has been there to comfort her through her illness,filling her last days with nothing but pure love.

On the 14th of July, the doctor came and visited Thrse . The doctor told Pauline that she seemed to begetting better and she might be able to conquer her illness. However, Thrse thought otherwise. She knew that God wascallingher home to Heaven. Thrse wanted her illness to end soon so that she could spare Pauline and her sisters anymoregrief over her suffering. She looked up at Pauline and expressed to her how much she loved her. You willknow howmuch I love you soon, real soon.

Thrse had responded to Father Bellires letter on July 18th. In her letter, she tried to comfort him over her impending death. Previously, she had asked him to pray for Pauline so that she would view her impendingdeath notwith great bitterness but as a blessing. Both Father Bellire and Pauline were greeting Thrse s death as agreat loss.But Thrse s prayers were slowly being answered; Paulines attitude towards her arrival in Heaven was going


31/52

to bemet with celebration. Pauline was realizing that even though she would lose her sister here on earth, she wouldalways

be with her in Heaven. Thrse asked Father Bellire to continue to pray for Pauline that both of them willseek consolation in her passing. Please pray for my intentions because I love my sister Pauline even more becauseshe isJesus visibly present to me. (CL)

On July 21st, Pauline went to the infirmary to see how her sister was doing and she would always do littlethings tocomfort her. Each day, Thrse looked forward to seeing Pauline and commented to her what it really meantto her that she was there. When she appeared before her each day her spirit was filled with great joy. Thrse knew

she didnot have to spend a lot of her time giving to Pauline for she was the one that always gave so much to her.

The anguish of seeing Thrse suffer added to the physical suffering Pauline was already facing. On July 27th,Thrse , seeing evidence of this when Pauline entered the infirmary commented to her on her ill health.Thrse reversed her role of a patient and insisted to Pauline that she not forget to take her medication that was

prescribed toher by the doctor.

The spiritual union between Pauline and Thrse was very strong. They had that special bond between the

both of them. Without having to say a word to each other, everything was revealed in their souls. On the 27th of July,whenPauline arrived in the infirmary to check up on Thrse , she remarked to Pauline about their strong spiritual

bond.She said: Little mother is my telephone; I have only to cock my ear when she comes, and I know everything.(LC)

Thrse leaned forward in her bed and took the fan that was given to her by one of her Carmelite sisters fromSaigonon July 30th. As her sisters Marie , Pauline, and Cline were sitting at her bedside, Thrse took the fan andstartedto fan them instead. She looked at them lovingly while she was fanning them and said: I am fanning thesaintsinstead of myself; I am fanning you to do you some good because you, are saints! (LC)

On August 1st, Pauline brought in Thrse s manuscript for her to review it. Thrse reread it and wasoverwhelmedwith emotion by what she had written. Thrse then turned to Pauline and gave her a warning. She toldPauline:Please do not let anyone know that I have written this manuscript until after it has been published but with theexception of Mother Marie de Gonzague. Little mother, if you were to tell anyone about this manuscript, the


32/52

devilwill place several obstacles in your path and your ability to have it published will be extremely difficult. LittledidPauline know at this time what lay ahead of her in the future in regards to Thrse s manuscript.

Pauline came into the infirmary on the 5th of August to comfort Thrse and see how she was coping with her illness.During their conversation, Pauline had confided in her over a certain incident that she was suffering from.Thrse looked at her and told her that as a mother, the one who is a representative of Christ to her sisters should not letanyone know that she, too, is suffering. It is more comforting to a sister when she is able to confide in her mother thesufferings that she is facing without her mother comparing her own sufferings to the sister that is confiding inher.Thus, echoing to Pauline what she had already taught her during her childhood.

At times when Thrse was suffering enormously, whether it was vomiting blood or when she was choking,Paulinewould pray reverently to Our Lady and ask her to relieve her sisters dire symptoms. Thrse , on the other hand,asked her not to bother asking Our Lady to relieve her symptoms. On the 17th of August, Thrse madereference tothis to her sister Cline . In a joking manner, Thrse said to Cline , after Pauline earlier had told her she wasgoingto pray for her said: She (Pauline) prayed to Mary, and I am no longer hiccuping. (LC)

Thrse s condition continued to worsen in September. Upon the anniversary of her profession and a few daysafterwards, the symptoms of her tuberculosis hid themselves very well. The doctors were somewhat baffled bythisafter they came in and examined her. On September 11th, Pauline came in to see how she was doing. AsPauline satat her bedside speaking to her, Thrse made a prophetic announcement to Pauline. Out of all of the sisters,Marie ,Lonie , and Cline , Pauline was to be the last of the sisters to leave this earth and enter the kingdom of Heaven. Itwould not be her time until Pauline was to complete the work that Thrse was to bring forth to her fromHeaven.Unless of course, there are those souls that are in need of her guidance after which time God will send for her.It wastrue out of all of Thrse s sisters, Pauline lived the longest in age but Cline on the other hand would be thelastsister to reach the gates of Heaven eight years after Pauline.

Thrse went on to tell Pauline how much she loved her.Every day, when she heard someone come in, she would alwaysthink that it was Pauline. When it was not Pauline a hint of sadnessentered her soul. Thrse saw her as the light that chased away the


33/52

darkness. Pauline was the song that Thrse s soul sung loudlyeven without both of them ever having to say a word to each other .

On September 24th, it was Thrse s anniversary of her veiling.Pauline received permission from the prioress to have a Mass saidin her name. Later, Pauline went to see Thrse but was met withdisbelief. She saw that Thrse s symptoms did not change and wasstill causing her to suffer immensely. Thrse caught on to Paulinesgrief and questioned her if she had the Mass said in her name to relieve her symptoms. Pauline told her that it was true and said, It was for her own good.(LC) Thrse responded back by saying, I must be the will of God that I suffer.

During Pauline and Thrse s conversation on the 26th of September, Thrse was using a dead leaf, whichwas

barely hanging from a tree by a spiders web outside the window of the infirmary, to describe her life. Thrse pointed to Pauline the dead leaf and said that it was the same way her life was now, hanging by a simple thread.

On September 29th, Thrse was in her final hours of suffering. The physical signs of her immediate deathweremore evident than ever. Pauline, as well as Marie and Cline sat by her at her bedside while Thrse surrendered toher suffering. Pauline read to her about St. Michael the Archangel to help comfort her. However, Thrse noticedthat Pauline was suffering from one of her severe migraine headaches. She motioned to Pauline to go to her cell andlie down. Late in the evening, Pauline left the infirmary and went to an adjoining cell close to the infirmary.Marie and Cline stayed with Thrse throughout the night. As morning rose, Pauline got up and left for theinfirmary.She stayed with Thrse while Mass was being held in the Chapel and tried to console her while she was

battling periods of suffocation. Pauline told her how much she loved her and what a blessing she was to her throughouther life.

Cline said to Thrse that her last look should be on Pauline. But Thrse wanted to offer it to Mother MariedeGonzague out of respect. Thrse said to Pauline do not be offended if I do not give you my last look. I wantto givemy last look to the person in need of it the most. As the hours progressed, Thrse s condition was at its worst.Shecould barely breathe and her skin was turning purple as well as large drops of sweat were pouring down her face.Pauline rushed out of the infirmary because it was overwhelming for her to see her sister suffer so much. Shewalkedto the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Margaret Mary and kneeled before both of them and


34/52

pleaded tothe Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Saint Margaret Mary to relieve her sisters suffering. She then came back totheinfirmary and prayed some more.

The community was summoned twice to the infirmary. The first time was at five oclock and it was thoughtthatThrse would have a few more hours of life before she died. The prioress told the community that they mayleave,

but at seven oclock, she reversed her decision and summoned them to come back. It was at this moment thatthecommunity witnessed Thrse s ascent to Heaven. As Thrse held onto her crucifix, she whispered her lastwords of how much she loved God. She then went into a state of ecstasy and breathed one more time leaving her lastlook ather sister Cline at twenty minutes after seven. Minutes later, Pauline wrote a small note to Lonie , her uncleandaunt who were praying in the Carmelite chapel for Thrse . A lay sister brought the note to them to let themknowof her passing. Pauline, Marie and Cline would later speak directly to them in the reception area aboutThrse sfuneral.

Once the community left the infirmary, Pauline walked out into the courtyard to retrieve the dead leaf with thespiders web still intact. The dead leaf had fallen to the ground due to the force of the wind of the storm thathad

passed through at the time of Thrse s death. It was that same leaf which Thrse had used to symbolizewhat her life was like on the 26th of September. Later that night Pauline, Marie and Sister Aimee of Jesus preparedThrse s

body for her funeral.

Thrse s body was taken to the Carmelite chapel where the mourners could view her body. On October 4th,Thrse s funeral took place in the Carmelite chapel. After the ceremony was over, Lonie led the procession of mourners tothe Lisieux cemetery. Thrse was to be the first Carmelite nun to be buried on a plot of land at this cemetery,whichwas recently purchased by her uncle Isidore for the Carmelite nuns. To honor her sister Thrse , and using her talentsfrom years of painting miniatures, Pauline painted Thrse s name and anniversary dates on the cross thatstood at the

back of her grave.

After Thrse s burial at the local cemetery, Lonie went to visit her sisters in the receptio

marie pauline martin

Documents